HC Deb 24 April 1986 vol 96 cc223-4W
Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the use of bases in the United Kingdom by the United States for military action was reported to the Security Council under the terms of article 51 of the United Nations charter.

Mr. Renton

The Government of the United States of America reported in a letter of 14 April to the United Nations Secretary-General, in accordance with article 51 of the United Nations Charter, that United States forces hadexercised the United State's right of self-defence by responding to an on-going pattern of attacks by the Government of Libya".

This letter did not refer to the use of bases in the United Kingdom.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now publish in the Official Report the contents of the memorandum of understanding, signed in 1952 between the United States Government and Her Majesty's Government, over the use of military bases in Britain.

Mr. Renton

The arrangements governing use by United States forces of bases in the United Kingdom were first agree by Mr. Attlee and President Truman in 1951. These arrangments were endorsed by Mr. Churchill and President Truman in further discussions in 1952. The understanding then reached was made public in a joint communiqué at the time which reads as followUnder arrangements made for the common defence, the United States has the use of certain bases in the United Kingdom. We reaffirm the understanding that the use of these bases in an emergency would be a matter for joint decision by Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government in the light of the circumstances prevailing at the time.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the terms of the agreement made for common defence between the United States and the United Kingdom for the use of certain military bases in Britain are registered with the United Nations under article 102 of the United Nations Charter.

Mr. Renton

The arrangements governing use by United States forces of bases in the United Kingdom are not of a nature to require registration at the United Nations under article 102 of the United Nations charter.